Magna Carta

English document that was the first to establish the principle of rule of law

Rule of law- even leaders have to follow the law

English Common Law

American principles were derived from English principles, such as trial by jury

Charters of the Virginia Company of London

Established that colonists would still be Englishmen in the "new world"

Va Declaration of Rights

Written by George Mason and stated that Virginians had certain rights that could not be taken away. Was a model for the US Bill of Rights.

Va Statute for Religious Freedom

Written by Thomas Jefferson and stated that Virginians had freedom of religion.

Articles of Confederation

1st government in the United States

Created a government that left most of the power in the hands of the state and was weak because it had no power to tax or enforce laws

United States Constitution

Created following the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Created a strong central government that would have three branches of government. It protected the individual rights and freedoms of the people. It is the supreme law of the land.

Declaration of Independence

Written by Thomas Jefferson, this document listed grievances (complaints) against the king of Great Britain, stated that people had certain unalienable rights (life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness), and declared that the colonists ought to be free and independent.